Optimism Superpowers

Optimism Superpowers: 1 of 10

Being an optimist can mean many things. Bert Jacobs in the book “Life is Good” describes optimism as, “A powerful and pragmatic strategy for accomplishing goals and living a meaningful life.” Optimism is broad in the sense that it means to be positive, cheerful, strong-willed, believable, and open-minded. Being an optimist means you are experiencing the world around you with open arms and an eye towards growth and progress. Pessimism is corrosive, realism lacks creativity, and optimism is boundless. Below I list the first superpower to be an optimist:
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Superpower #1: Openness
              Kids are the worlds strongest optimists. Always questioning and looking for answers. Instead of steering a conversation, activity, or lesson with a child, let them tell you what they think. Do not shut down an idea with a phrase like “that’s not possible”, “We can’t do that”, “No.” Ask “Why?” about their ideas and perceptions. The more we ask why to children, the more they can bring out the kid in us.
              “Yes, and…” is a common phrase comedians use in improv to build off of the ideas of others. “Yes, and…” provides endless opportunities and an open door to new ideas. There is plenty of time later to be analytical, and sift through discussion, however, if we don’t let the ideas flow, we may never know the potential ideas we have missed.
              Try to change up your routine and your surroundings. How can we expect to have new ideas, grow, progress, etc. if we are stagnant in the same place, doing the same activities, and never changing up our lives? Try a new activity, watch a movie from a different genre, try a new restaurant, get yourself out there to experiencing different things. Be open!